Derrynane Beach, Kerry

Valentia Island, Kerry

The Ring of Kerry

Derrynane Harbour with Skellig Islands on the horizon

Carrauntoohil, the highest peak on the island of Ireland

Derrynane

Iskeroon looks out over Derrynane Harbour. This well hidden, natural harbour, now very popular with visiting yachts, was the site of much smuggling as well as legal trading activity in the eighteenth century. A path runs between Bunavalla Pier on one side of the harbour (from where a boat leaves for the Skelligs) to Derrynane Pier on the other side, which is 15 minutes walk from Iskeroon.

Just beyond the pier is Derrynane Bay which has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, over a mile of golden sand. Abbey Island, now reachable on foot, has the remains of a tenth century abbey, around which is the local cemetery.

Behind the sand dunes are Derrynane House and Gardens, part of the Derrynane National Park. Derrynane House was the home of Daniel O’Connell, known as the Liberator as he fought for and won the right of Catholics to vote. The house has a museum and a café. The sub-tropical gardens are wonderful and take advantage of the mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream.